Surgeons and specialists at plastic surgery clinics and centers have seen an increasing number of people over the past two decades inquiring about procedures that are far from ideal.
What’s driving this?
While it’s likely there’s more than one cause, the glut of “reality” TV shows over the past twenty years has certainly shed an unrealistic light on plastic surgery. This has driven surgeons to tell patients flat out, “Don’t base your plastic surgery decision on reality TV.”
What the Research Shows
As early as 2007, the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) employed various research methods to put the topic of reality TV and public health in the spotlight. They used direct observation and qualitative analysis, a review of a variety of consumer and academic literature, and interviews with academic experts to come to the following conclusion:
“Reality shows may provide inaccurate or unhealthy information to viewers (for example, showcasing multiple plastic surgeries or more rapid weight loss than most experts would recommend). It is one thing to inspire and provide encouragement, yet another to foster the unrealistic expectations implied by many (reality) TV shows.”
So what happened?
It Started with Extreme Makeover
Four years before the KFF conducted their study, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) was approached by ABC-TV to serve as a consultant on a reality TV series they were developing. It was called Extreme Makeover. In an attempt to make this reality TV show as realistic and safe as possible, they asked ASPS to review and comment on patient selection criteria, the qualifications of the participating surgeons, and post-surgical care requirements. ASPS wasn’t quick to jump to a yes and much debate and discussion ensued among the society’s leaders.
They ultimately decided to participate by offering several recommendations. First, they requested that reconstructive (not just cosmetic) plastic surgery be highlighted. They went on to advise that prospective patients be seen for an in-person evaluation by a plastic surgeon. Furthermore, before being accepted, the patients would be required to receive physical and psychological examinations and to pass them.
Second, they wanted the show to emphasize the need for patient consultation and the informed consent process. This allowed the ASPS to reinforce the importance of board certification for surgeons and safety protocols for patients while providing input into the messaging that would be broadcast to the viewing audience.
Third, they further suggested that all procedures be performed in appropriately credentialed surgical facilities and that the television surgeon insist on and participate in all follow-up and postoperative care. They also encouraged the show to highlight complications when they occurred rather than just presenting a Cinderella story every time.
The Floodgates Opened
While the ASPS struggled to some extent with the potential conflict with its code of ethics, in the end, they were able to reinforce the importance of board certification for surgeons and safety for patients.
The new media attention contributed to a major uptick in cosmetic procedures. In 2005, the ASPS statistics revealed that more than 10.2 million total cosmetic procedures were performed. That was a 64% jump from 2002. They spiked 44% from 2003 to 2004.
Extreme Makeover was a success. Unfortunately, its popularity opened the door for a flood of new “reality” TV shows that did not remotely touch the high standards and positive image of Extreme Makeover. Many reality shows that were created in the following decades have seriously misrepresented plastic surgery.
These programs have made it appear that having multiple procedures is totally common, and that the recovery time is minimal. This is not true. Plus, heavily edited and selected scenes from reality TV have lulled potential patients into believing there are no real risks or complications. They forget that the participants in these programs are actual people who are facing not just the benefits but also the risks of surgery.
The true reality is, any plastic surgeon worth his or her salt will place patient safety first. Always. It may not be the message the patient wants to hear, but it’s the one board-certified plastic surgeons are obligated to give and abide by.
Don’t Base Your Plastic Surgery Decision on Reality TV
If you’re considering a plastic surgery procedure, start instead by contacting us.
During your consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with a surgeon about your aesthetic goals. We’ll take the time to review those goals and determine the best ways to achieve them.
And remember, don’t base your plastic surgery decision on reality TV. Just because you saw a procedure on a show doesn’t make it safe, desirable, or appropriate for you. It may not even be real!